St. Nicolai

St. Nicolai Church in Lüneburg, Lower Saxony, Germany, stands as a magnificent testament to the architectural and cultural grandeur of the Hanseatic era. This Gothic brick basilica, dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, is the youngest and smallest of the three main churches in the historic town of Lüneburg. Despite its size, St. Nicolai captivates visitors with its rich history, striking architecture, and the serene beauty of its interior.

The History of St. Nicolai

The roots of St. Nicolai Church trace back to the early 15th century. Its predecessor, a chapel built for the residents of the Wasserviertel, was consecrated in 1409. Just over a decade later, in 1420, the city council decided to expand this chapel into a full-fledged church, which was completed around 1440. The church’s tower, however, faced numerous challenges. Initially left incomplete due to financial constraints, it was not until 1587 that the tower received its helm. Unfortunately, by 1831, the tower had become so dilapidated that it had to be demolished. The church itself also suffered significant damage over the centuries, leading to extensive restoration efforts in the 19th century. A dedicated society formed in 1843 to save the church, resulting in the repair of the nave starting in 1869 and the construction of the neo-Gothic tower, completed in 1896.

Architectural Marvel

St. Nicolai is one of the last brick basilicas, a three-aisled structure with a four-bay nave, choir bay, and a 3/6 apse. The church’s most striking feature is its approximately 7.20 meters wide and 28.70 meters high Gothic nave, adorned with a unique eight-pointed star vault, a rarity in Northern Germany. The neo-Gothic tower, standing at an impressive 92.7 meters, ranks among the tallest church towers in Lower Saxony. Notably, the tower has clock faces on three sides, with the north side left blank due to the staircase obstructing the placement of a fourth clock face.

Interior Treasures

Although the original medieval furnishings of St. Nicolai, including its eighteen altars, have not survived, the church still houses remarkable works of Gothic art. The highlight is the winged altar from around 1440, originally from the now-demolished Lambertikirche. This altar features intricate oak carvings by Lüneburg master Hans Snitker the Elder and paintings attributed to Hamburg master Hans Bornemann. The altar’s inner panels depict twenty scenes from the life of Jesus, from the Annunciation to Pentecost, with a central crucifixion scene. The predella showcases six prophets dressed as medieval merchants. During Lent, Bornemann’s tempera panels, depicting scenes with the apostles Simon and Jude Thaddeus and the life of St. Lambertus, cover the carvings. Additionally, the outer panels, displayed only during Holy Week, illustrate the Sacrifice of Isaac and the Crucifixion of Jesus.

Before the high altar's arrival in 1861, a winged altar from the dissolved Heiligental Monastery stood in the choir. This altar, now dismantled and displayed in the ambulatory, features paintings from around 1450 depicting scenes from the lives of St. Lawrence and St. Andrew, including one of the earliest views of Lüneburg. The church also houses a baptismal font by Master Ulricus from around 1325, originally from the Cyriacuskirche, now placed in front of the main altar.

The Organ and Bells

St. Nicolai’s organ, built in 1899 by the Furtwängler & Hammer company, has undergone several modifications over the 20th century. In 2002, the organ was restored to its original state by the Lenter organ-building company, with a few modern additions. The instrument now boasts 49 registers across three manual works and a pedal, offering a rich and varied musical experience.

The church tower houses five bells, including the impressive Marienglocke, cast in 1491 by Gerhard van Wou, weighing approximately 4,200 kg. This bell survived the Second World War, unlike the others from the original peal. Today, the bell ensemble also includes the Friedensglocke, cast in 2009 and known as the Schifferglocke, which completes the bell peal with a harmonious A minor triad.

A Must-Visit Destination

St. Nicolai Church, along with St. Johannis and St. Michaelis, forms a trio of significant Gothic brick churches in Lüneburg, attracting around 110,000 visitors annually. These churches are key stops on the European Route of Brick Gothic, showcasing the architectural and cultural heritage of the Hanseatic League. Open to visitors daily, except during services and events, St. Nicolai invites you to explore its historical and artistic treasures, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Lüneburg’s past.

In conclusion, St. Nicolai Church is more than just a place of worship; it is a beacon of history, art, and architecture. Its walls echo stories of faith, resilience, and artistic excellence, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting Lüneburg. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, St. Nicolai promises a journey through time and beauty that will leave a lasting impression.